March 17, 1915 

Crowder, Okla. 

Mr. Richard Jackson 
Paragould, Ark. 

Dear Friend: 

I am thankful for your prompt answer to my letter of inquiry to yourself. Also, grateful to you for your compliments paid my late deceased Brother Gus. 
To get your mind clear as to my connection with the confederate army: I had two brothers, Alexander, two years older than Gus, and I two years younger than Gus. We were orphans. Our father died in Stoddard County near St. Francisville. Alex went to live with Adrian Owens. I married in my 18th year. Bought out the McCollum Cabinet business and located at Bloomfield, Mo. I knew your father well. And, also, your brother Captain Jim. Knew and remember you also. My connection with army began at the organization of Joe Miller's company. Miller was the Captain, Gus first lieutenant, your brother Jim second lieut. I was appointed a Sergeant. I remained with that company in Kitchen's unorganized troops til Kitchens moved to East of the Mississippi River. When we were near Helena, most of Miller's company moved back to N. Ark and S. E. Mo. Capt. Joe Miller and my brother Gus went on with us to Memphis, but returned to their company as you are aware. I remained with Kitchen til I knew that he would get orders to move across the river. Then I went to Gen. Price Headqr. and obtained leave to come to the Trans Mississippi Dept. At that very day one Cpt. Smith of Robt. McCulloch's regt. started to St. Louis Co, Mo with a small guard to raise troops. I learned afterwards that he was captured and the men of his guard. Hence [he] never raised any troops. But I did raise them. This Capt Smith & his guard separated from me before we reached Gainsville, Ark. I came on alone to Chalk Bluff, and learned that Col. Jeffries was on a raid north that very day. So I loped again time to overtake Captain Jackson's co. just a little south of Bloomfield. But it was a dark night, and I was halted by the camp guard. I was then in a few feet of them, which I mistook for the Federals. I turned my horse and fled under fire. But was not hit. When I had made running distance I then stopped and we came to know each other as friends. The guard stated to me afterward that he never made better aim at a squirrel. The second night after this I was wounded in the fight at Bloomfield. I have carried this bullet in my body ever since. After this I went about gathering volunteers wherever I could induce them to come in, soon had a company. Made raids and battles in various parts of Mo. Went as far as Fredericktown in Madison Co, Mo. Had a battle at Bollinger's Mill in Bollinger co. Alex was wounded there. Captured some prisoners. 
Now! as to Capt Jim Cooper He and I generally kept separate camps, but often worked together. We at one time broke up Capt's Powers company in Bollinger Co. The noted Sam Hildebrand was a member of my co. Now in the meantime Kitchen's came along took hold of us, my co.[,] Coopers and, also other coms began to organize among them Jim Clark's co. McWorter's co. Dooley's and others. Also, recruits came to us in Ark. I remember one Capt. Web and Capt Moberly of Scatterville. And we organized into a Regiment with Solomon G. Kitchens Col. myself Lieut-Col James Walker of Kennett major. Our muster rolls were made out by one Peabody, nephew of Jefferson Davis and taken to Richmond. And when Senator Vest visited us at Camden Ark. he brot our commissions from Mr. Davis. Beautiful documents. But they were burned when our trains was ordered burned on the Mo. Raid. 
Now! I guess the reason you do not remember my position and service is the regt. bore the name of Kitchens and any movements made by the regt. was attributed to that name. But I commanded the regiment much of the time. Kitchen was commissioned to go into Ark. & Mo. and recruit from Camden. I commanded the regiment from that time on. Kitchen was wounded at Independence Mo., and, from then on I commanded the regiment and Col. Davies' battalion also. Was surrounded by the Federal cavalry in the great battle of Kans. But fought thru their ranks and came out. 
I, also, wish to call your attention to the fact that I met you in Gainsville, Ark. in Dec 69. It was a rainy day. I was on my way to Kentucky after my children. Traveled in wagon with team of horses. Stopped in front of a store of a young Mr. Williams to ask him to pay me a trifle for my horse, which he stole when he deserted us on the retreat thru the [Indian] territory. He left me sick & afoot. The horse was extra fine. I paid $160. for him just before starting on the raid. We compromised & Mr. Williams paid me $50.00 and I let him off. This Mr. Williams would be a good witness for me if he is alive and would testify. 
Now! I have been a trifle tedious, because I wish you to remember my connection with the confederate army. The present Legislature of this state of Okla. has passed a law to pension the confederate soldiers who live in this state and that law requires two witnesses to prove their connection with the confederate army. I want you for one of those witnesses to go up with my application. If your brother Capt. Jim Jackson is alive he would member me. There lived north of Gainsville and I think north of Scatterville one Tom Pain who was a member of my old company and segt. I staid all night with him as I went over the road an to Chalk Bluff the time I met you in Gainsville in '69. If this man Tom Pain is alive he would certainly remember my service as soldier capt and lieut col. Possibly you would know of him & his address. If Alonzo Kitchen is living he would remember me. He did not join the army But was with his father much of the time. Several of our old Bloomfield friends moved to Paris Tex Van W. Hale, the Walkers, Hale and some others but are all dead or moved away. Van Hale has been dead 13 yrs. I met John Harty in Paris after the war, but never knew what became of him. 
I think I shall send you a photo of myself in separate cover. Should be pleased to have your photo. I have been in the territory of Okla & state for more than 30 years. But never have met a single ex confederate here whom I knew in the war. 
In conclusion, I shall send you a blank made out by the confederate pension board, as soon as the board has them made if you can testify for me. Hoping you can testify for me & with good wishes I am, 
Yours truly 

Jesse Ellison 

Rector, Arkansas 

March 19, 1915 

Col. Jesse Ellison 
Crowder, Okla. 

My Dear Sir: I was informed this morning that you were living at the above address and hasten to write to you for information about Southeast Missouri war affairs. 
I have been getting facts from living participants for the last six or seven years about the war in Mo. 1861-1865. I am exceedingly glad to discover your whereabouts. I am compiling a more complete list of regimental officers from Mo. on the Confederate side than has ever been published. I have a set of the Official Reports (127 volumes besides several other Government reports) but I get information from old soldiers that explains things better than the Reports. The old soldiers give additional facts not in the Reports. 
You will please inform me on the following: 
1. Were you in the State Guard in 1861? Was not. 
2. If so, who were your Col. & Brig-Gen.? Watkins was Brig Gen 1st Thomson last 
3. What became of J. A. Dooley who was Maj. in Kitchen's Battalion in 1863 just before it was organized into a Regt.? Was defeated for Lt. Col. of the regt. & went home. never was in the army again. 
4. Were you and Maj. J. A. Walker with Kitchen on Price's raid in 1864? We were. 
It appears that Lt. Col. J. F. Davies took command after Kitchen was captured in South W. Mo. 
Hoping to hear from you soon, I am, 

Yours respectfully, 
 

W. L. Skaggs 

Davis did not command the Regt at any time. 

Crowder, Okla. 

March 22, 1915 

Prof. W. L. Skaggs 
Rector, Ark. 

Dear Sir & friend, 

I am thankful for this letter, and gladly answer with the information you seek. I beg to say that the Col. J. F. Davies never commanded Kitchen's Regt. Could not. I was senior & higher in grade or rank as it was termed. Had priority of more than a year. Besides, a regimental Lt. Col. was above one of a battalion. Davies was a physician and was our surgeon til we moved to Camden, Ark., where surgeons were required to be examined. He would not submit to the examination, but resigned and went home. Remained there til Col. Kitchens was sent up in Ark & Mo to gather recruits. You know the rest. Col. Davies was not in the great battle in Kans. of Price's raid. I do not think Maj. Raiburn was either. I know Maj. Walker was not. I commanded the old regt. & Davis' battalion in that fight. Was completely surrounded. We just fought out there then. Altho I was not in the Missouri State Guard under Gen. Jeff Thomson, I was familiar with all their movements. If you don't close your manuscript in two or three weeks I shall send you a brief history, which shall be true and interesting. Possibly many facts never before published. All the principal ones and some small readable ones. I want the book you are preparing for my children, may be several copies. I cannot tell all about Maj Dooley in the short space on your question page. He & I were aspirants for major of the battalion. We tied on the first ballot. I voted for him each time[!] At the organization of the full regt. Maj. Dooley, Capt. Jim Clark and John Muse, all of Clarkton and myself were aspirants. I was elected Lt. Col. above all of them. They all just went home and never were in the army again. Maj. Dooley had a very brave brother who was a lieut. & remained. 

Respectfully, 

Jesse Ellison 

Middleton, W. T., Gibtown, Texas - Born April, 1835, in Tennessee. Enlisted in the Confederate Army in 1862, at Bloomfield, Mo., as private in Company B, Second (sic) Missouri Cavalry, Clark’s Brigade, Marmaduke’s Division, Price’s Corps. My first Captain was James Cooper, first Colonel, Solomon Kitchen. Was in the battles of Chock (Chalk) Bluff, Mo., in 1863; Little Blue, Mo., Oct 2d (sic), Sunday, 1864; Independence and Kansas City, Mo. 
One morning at the coming of day in 1863 I had my first fight. We charged the camps of the Yankees at Chock (Chalk) Bluff, Mo. One man was shot down at my side. His name was Yanley. His brother was killed the same morning. We were mixed like children at play. My lieutenant shot the Yankee sergeant down by me and I thought I was in a rough place. All the officers were gone but the Orderly Sergeant and I told him the Yankees might come on us and he said for me to call them into line which I did. When my Captain came he had the Yankee Captain’s sword and he buckled it on me. I looked down and saw the suffering of my comrades and the dead Yankees I felt that I must be honored. 
The next battle was on the Little Blue, eight miles east of Independence, Mo. Here I had a single combat and took the enemy’s weapons. 

Mamie Yeary, Reminiscences of the Boys in Gray, 1861-1865 (Dayton, OH: Morningside Press, 1986), p. 517. 

Organizing Kitchen’s Missouri Cavalry Battalion, April, 1863:

“We now had collected enough companies to form a battalion, and the question of field officers became important.  Col. Henry E. Clark, under whose authority these companies had been raised and subsisted, did not desire a command in the field, as he could make himself so much more useful in other capacities, and as Col. Solomon G. Kitchen had resigned his captaincy in McCullough’s (sic) Regiment on the east side of the Mississippi and returned home, it was determined to invite him to camp, and make him lieutenant colonel of the battalion.”

“After repeated and earnest solicitations from me, Col. Kitchen came to camp and after much talking between Clark and Kitchen’s friends, Kitchen was elected lieutenant colonel, and Dooley of Dunklin County elected major.  The command now had some shape and an active man in charge of it, and I started to Little Rock again to see what I could do about getting my command.”

Kitchen’s Missouri Cavalry Battalion and Marmaduke’s Raid into Southeast Missouri, April, 1863:

“.......I was informed that Gen. [John S.] Marmaduke would start on another raid into Missouri, and I hastened towards Crowley’s Ridge to cooperate with him.  I found my horse recovered when I reached Jacksonport [AR], and collecting some more information about the raid, I pushed on across the Cache Swamp and found Kitchen camped near Dr. Croffts, and proposed that we should at once start up the ridge to be within striking distance.  We started off several intelligence scouts to find the exact location and number of the enemy.”

“We commenced making our preparations to move, but the next morning, while Kitchen was still in doubt whether he would go or not, a courier arrived from Marmaduke, ordering all the troops on the ridge to move up towards the enemy.  This was sufficient so I mounted my horse and pushed off with ten men to get what information I could by the time the battalion could get up.  We were camped more than forty miles from Chalk Bluff.  Before sun down I was in the neighborhood, saw out scouts, and learned that a full company of [Col. John] McNeil’s regiment was camped on the Missouri, or opposite side at Chalk Bluff, and felt so safe that they often sent scouts over to the Arkansas side of the river.  All the boats and canoes that could be found were destroyed, but it was thought that a canoe could be found up the river several miles and a man was sent to secure it and bring it down to a certain point a few miles above Chalk Bluff.”

“Some hours after dark Kitchen with the battalion came up and we immediately pushed through the swamp to the point the canoe was to be at.  It was after midnight when we reached the point and soon found the canoe.”

“We immediately dismounted and secured our horses in the best manner we could, it being dark as pitch.  I crossed over first and went back as far as I thought necessary and found there was no picket near.  I returned and layed down on the wet ground and slept until the men were all over which took several hours, as the canoe held but three men, and consequently brought but two at a time.  We crossed about 100 men, but parts of six companies.  We now fell in, in silence, and followed the path towards the camp of the enemy.  The path led us to the main road a mile in their rear, and when we reached this road we waked up a neighbor who corroborated all the reports of the scouts.  We now moved down the road, Col. Kitchen in the front, and it being the side of all others that was considered safe, we marched in thirty feet of the tents before we were discovered.  The sentinel at the officer’s tent challenged and fired his gun at the same instant, when with a volley, a yell, and a rush, we commenced throwing down the tents to secure the inmates.  But at the first shot of the sentinel the majority of the men dashed out of their tents and into the woods in their underclothes, and some ran all the way to Bloomfield in their shirts alone.  I was not aware for awhile that they had not secured their arms, so I was fearful that they would probably attack us at daylight.  I ordered the men who had scattered to plunder to fall in, told the sergeant and officers to call their companies by their letters, and I commenced apparently manouvering another battalion in a loud voice.  In a half hour the day light commenced and our scouts brought in some twenty odd prisoners, among whom was Capt. Hulse of Hannibal, Mo., who was the commanding officer and an old acquaintance of mine.”

“This was on Tuesday morning, April 21, 1863.  We captured sixty fine horses, and the largest and completest outfit for one company I ever saw.  Only two or three men on each side were killed and those killed of ours were shot by their own comrades by accident in the dark.  Two officers were shot through the neck by their own men, one of whom was my friend and canoeman Joe Edmondson.”

“We buried the dead, carried the spoils down to the river back, and I then proposed that we should mount sixty men on these fresh horses and push ahead towards Bloomfield.  Kitchen objected, and as I had no authority to order him I had to see this splendid opportunity to stampede Genl. McNeil pass by.  As it afterwards turned out, the better part of Marmaduke’s Raid was lost by our not pushing McNeil and opening communication with him before his movement on Cape Girardeau.”

“It was too late now to talk of what we could have done, and I do not want to censure Kitchen, for in fact all the detail of this night expedition and capture and the leading of the men into the camp was arranged and managed by Kitchen, and two of his officers, Capt. Henson and Lieut. Johnson.”

Organizing the 7th Missouri Cavalry Regiment, July, 1863:

“On the 22nd [of June] Henry E. Clark reached camp and we moved up to Lorants.  The regiment was now full, having Clark’s, Cooper’s, Knight’s, Ellison’s, Glenn’s, McWhorter’s, Wither’s, Williford’s, Henson’s and Edmondson’s companies, and it was proposed to organize the regiment.  But by this time the officers began to fear my discipline, for they had been completely demoralized by the independence of the recruiting service, and they made excuses to postpone the election.”

“It had been understood that I was to be the colonel and then have a brigade, but there was a spirit of demoralization and love of plunder which feared my rule.....”

“On the 6th of July a letter from Col. [Thomas L.] Snead, Genl. [Sterling] Price’s adjutant, informing me of the movement on Helena and ordering us to Chalk Bluff to watch the Federals at Bloomfield, and also ordering the election was received, having been five days on the way.”

“We immediately moved to Chalk Bluff and there went into the election.  The candidates were Kitchen and I and from the causes before mentioned Kitchen beat me badly.  I then made the regiment one of my characteristic speeches, telling them some very plain but disagreeable truths and bid them adieu.”

Source: The War Experiences of Brig. Gen. M. Jeff Thompson written by M. Jeff Thompson and edited by his youngest daughter, Marcie A. Bailey,” 

To His Excellency Andrew Johnson
President of the United States

Sir:
I Solomon G. Kitchen a citizen of the State of Arkansas late col. of the 7th Missouri Cavalry Confederate States army would respectfully State that, being a citizen of the State of Missouri in the month of June AD 1861 I left my home in Stoddard county in the said State and entered the military service of the confederate States and remained in that service until 25th May AD 1865 when I was paroled at Witsbourgh (sic) Arkansas.  That since that time I have faithfully observed the conditions of my parole and have demeaned myself as a good and faithful citizen.  That I am excluded from the benefit of your amnesty proclamation of May 29th AD 1865 by the operation of the 10th section of said proclamation vis, on account of haveing left the State of Missouri being within the jurisdiction of the United States for the purpose of aiding the rebellion and also by the operation of section 13th of said proclamation vis, being the owner of property the estimated value of which is over twenty thousand dollars. That I do not labor under any of the other disabilities specified in the said proclamation.  That I have taken and Subscribed the oath of allegiance which is hereby transmitted and I therefore make this Special application to your clemency and pray your excellency to grant me a full and free pardon in order that I may be restored to the rights and privileges of a citizen of the United States which I forfeited by participating in the said rebellion against the authorities thereof and I will ever pray.

Solomon G. Kitchen

State of Arkansas)
Jackson County   )

I Solomon G. Kitchen of [County of] Jackson and State of Arkansas do solemnly swear in the presence of Almity God that I will henceforth Support protect and defend the consitution of the United States and the union of states thereunder and that I will in like manner abide by and Support all laws and proclamations which have been made during the existing rebellion with reference to the emancipation of Slaves So help me God.
Solomon G. Kitchen

Sworn to & subscribed before me Joseph R. Kellogg Clerk of the Circuit Court this 23rd day of June AD 1866.  Witness my hand and seal of said Court.

(Note: Kitchen was pardoned July 16, 1866.)

Source:  Carolyn M. Bartels, Missouri Amnesty (np., np.).

I Jacob Bess left home on the 26th day of September 1864 and went to fredrictown, then to the nob, then to Potosey, then to Webster, then to Sulivens Station, then to Dent Station, then to union town, then to washington on the misouria river, then to Millers landing on the misouria river, then to herman, then to Shemoia, then to lin, then to Jefferson city, then to Californey, then to Booneville, then to Sulfer Springs, then to Arrow rock, then to Glassgo on the north side of the misouria river, then to waverly, then to Dover, then to Independance, then to tradeing point, then to Carthridge, then to Granby, then to newtoney, then to Pinevill, then to Canehill, then to Perrevill, then to Boggy depo, then to Clarksvill in texas, then to Pinchem, then to lanesport, then to Boston, then to fulton, then to louisvill, then to Magnolia, then to Shangguler, then to hanesvill, then to lisbey then was thare three weeks lacking one day, then up redriver Seven miles and crost back in texas and I am siting on a log on the bank of redriver and this is Crismas day 1864.  I started a letter home on the 23 day of December 1864, this is Crismas day and wee have bredd and meat for our Crismas diner which is the 25 day of December 1864. 
this is the 26 day and wee are camped on the road from lanesport to Clarksvill then wee went down in to Bulier County texas and Camped in 3 miles of Boston the County site of Bulier County then back up to redriver County and this is the 30 day of December 1864

this is the 31 day of december which is the last day of the week and the last day of the month and the last day of the yeare and wee are camped in redriver County in 9 miles of Clarksvill

and this is newyears day which is the first day of the week and the first day of the month and the first day of the yeare and I hope the commencement of better times and wee are camped at the same place in 9 miles of Clarksvill and this is 1865 this is monday the 1 day of January and wee have traveled 15 miles to day and Camped by a lake

this is the 7 day of January 1865 and wee are camped at Fulton in arcanses hempsted County

this is the 12 day and wee are Camped in lefayet County arcanses then on down to louisvill and on down to the Shreveport and Como road and Camped

this the 13 day and wee march past Magnolia to day 

this is the 14 day and wee are in the State of louisana and Camped in Clabron perrish

this is the 16 day of January 1865 and this is my birth day and wee past hanesvill to day and Camped

this is the 17 day and wee past a factory to day in louisania Clabron parrish

this is the 21 day and wee are Camped in Clabron perish

this is the 23 day and it snowed last nite wee are still Camped in Clabron parish

this is the 24 day and it is clare to day and cole

this is the 25 day and wee are still in Camp in louisania and it is cole to day

this is the 26 day and wee have marched 10 miles to day and it is fore months to day since I left home  wee are camped in Clabron perrish louisania at lisbey

this is the 29 of January 1865 and this is Sunday

this is the 30 my horse dide to day and wee coverd our tent to day

this is th 31 day and it raned all nite

this is the 2 day of Febuary 1865 and it still is raining

this is the 3 day and it is clare and worme to day and the spring frogs is holowing like Spring and I heard a at preaching last nite and the text was in Zacrier the 8 Chapter and the last verse  I will go with you for I here that god is with you

this is the 9  I have nothing of intrust to day

this is the 10th day and I was at preaching last nite and the text was in Amos the 4th Chapter and the 12th verse  Prepare to meat thy god o isreal

this is the 17th of febuary 1865 and wee are still at lisbey

this is the 19th day of febuary 1865 and wee are Still at lisbey and this is Sunday and it is warm and Spring like.

this is the 21 day of febuary wee are all well at the preasant time

this the 23 and it has rained for two last day and nites and it is fair wether this moring and the Peach trees and Plum trees is in full bloom 

this the 26th day of the month and it is five months to day since I left home and this is Sunday

this the 27th and wee moved ten miles to day

this the 28th and wee have bilt us another Shanty  to day wee Started a letter to R. W. Rhoads to day wee are Camped on the road from homer to Coneys bluffs

this the 2 day of March and I have swapt horses ten times up to this date

this the 3 and it rained all nite last nite and thunder very much and it is raining yet

March the 5, 1865 this the first Sunday in the month,

this the 8 day of March and it is warm and Pleasant and wee have a grate dele of peace news

this the 9th of March and it haled and Snowed to day

this the 10 it is clare and pleasant

this the 12 day of March and it is Sunday  I pade five dollars for as much honey and biscuit as I could eat

this the 13 day of March and wee left winter quarters to day

this the 15 day and we are on Pigion hill to day on the washataw river 

this the 17th day of March and wee crost the washataw and the Moro river and wee are at Moro landing

this the 19 and this is Sunday and wee are still at Moro landing in Arcancas Bradley County

this the 21 and wee at moro landing on the boat detale

this the 24 day and I Swapt horses to day this makes 11 times I have Swapt

this the 26th day of March and it is five months to day Since I left home and wee are Still at moro landing

this the 29th and wee are at Johnsvill in bradley Co Ar

this the 31 and I have bin to longvew and back to moro

this the 2 day of April 1865 and wee are at moro landing

this the 6 day of April yesterday and last nite wee had a grate dele of rain and wind and wee are Still at moro 

this the 9 of April and it is Sunday and this is 7 Sundays that it has rained and wee are at moro and wee think that to day is Easter Sunday 1865

this the 11 day of Apr and I was at preaching last nite and the text was in Mathew the 5 Chapter and the 8 verce  Bleses are the pure in hart for they Shall see god

wee left moro on the 13th day of April and wee went to Spring hill Church in louisania and this is the 15 day of April 1865

this is the 17 day and I was at Preaching last nite and the text was in St John the 15th Chapter and the 25th verce of that Ch they hate me without a Cause a baptist Preacher April 1865

this the 19 day and wee are at Spring hill Church in louisania union Perish

this the 21 day of April wee had a hard rain last nite wee here menny thing about ritchmon and Peace

this the 22 day of April and thare is frost the moring

this the 23 day of April and thare was frost this moring I was at preaching to day and the text was in timothy and the 1 Chapter and apart of the 11 verce Acording to the glorius gospel of the blessed god

this is the 26 day of April and it is Seven months to day since I left home

this the 29th and I was at preaching last nite and the Subject was the love of god

this the 3 day of may and wee kild a tyrancherer to day

this the 5 day of may and I was at preaching last nite and the text was in the Psalms the 46 Psalms and the 8 and 9 verses comebined  See the desolations he maketh wars to Sefe unto the ands of the Earth

this the 6 day of may and wee had a rain and a hale Storm  wee left Spring hill Church on the 10 day of and we got back to Brigade and this the 11 day of may

may the 18 day I was wade to day and I wade 180 Pounds

this the 19 day of may and I am at Spring hill

this the 20 day of may and wee here that wee Surrender on the 24   I am at Spring hill Church and this is Sunday

this the 23 day of may I have swapt horses 13 times Since I left home I am at Spring hill Church in louisania union Parish

this the 25 day and I am at doctor Bushes on the rode to homer

this the 26 day of may and it is 8 months to day since I left home

this the 27 day and I past through bellvue to day and crost darcheet river and wausaw river

this the 28 day may and wee are 4 miles below Shreve Port

this the 29 day of may and wee are on redriver 3 miles below Shreve Port

this the 30 day of may wee are still in Camp 3 miles below Shreveport

the 31 day and wee are at the same place

this the 1 day of June and I heard Governer Alen the Governer of louisania make a Speach to day

this the 3 day of June and I was in Shreveport to day

this the 4 and it Sunday and and I am in Camp wee had preaching to day in Camp and the text was in Matthew the 14th Chapter and the 27 verce But Strate was Jesus spake unto them Saying be of good Cheer it is I be not afraid

this the 5 day of June the foot men Started to day down the river

this the 6 day of June and the feddrels Come to Shreveport to day

this the 7 day of June and they are at work at Paroling our army and wee think wee will Start for Missouria to morrow,

this the 8 day and wee are still at Shreveport  this the 8 day of June I was paroled to day and took the oath of Aleagence to the united States at Shreveport louisania

this the 9 day of June and wee went aborde of the Stemeboat addams

this the 10 day of June and wee Started from Shreveport to day at 2 o clock

this the 11 day and wee are Sailing down redriver and this is twelve o clock  this is 3 o clock to day and wee are Stopt to repair the boat  wee Stay here all nite

this the 12 day of June and wee are travling to day this is 1 o clock  wee had a very hard rain and Storm to day

this the 13 day of June and wee past Campdy and Grant ico to day

this the 14 day of June and wee are in Alexandar at this time  wee expect to leve Soon this is 10 o clock and it rained till nite

this the 15 day of June and wee Started at 2 o clock last nite  wee Past Sear and fort hudson to day  wee got to Sathomorice to day at 3 oclock this the 15 day of June

this the 16 day of June and wee have went on bord the Stemeer lady Gay at Batton Ruch this is 8 o clock in the moring the 16 wee past Port addams to day at 5 oclock this evening

this the 17 day of June wee past Rodney this morning at daylight wee past Grandgulf at 8 o clock this morning

wee past Natches in the nite and St Jo and water proofe in the nite of the 16th

this the 17 day of June wee past Rodney then grandgulf then vicksburg this 12 o clock the 17th

this the 18 day of June and it is Sunday wee past gaines landing to day and wee Past Nepolin at the mouth of Arcanses river to day which is the 18 day of June and wee past the mouth of Whie river to day and wee past helleney to

this the 19 day of June and wee are at Memphes at this time 9 o clock then randolph then fort pillow 

this the 20 day of June and wee past Point pleasant to day and New madred and hickman then to Cairo

this the 21 day of June and we are Sailing up the missippia rivear  wee pas Commerce and west point then Cape gerridau  wee got to the Cape at 10 o clock to day June 21

this the 22 day of June

Swapt horses 13 times up to this date June the 23 1865
 

I the undersigned prisoner of war belonging to the Army of the Northern Sub-District of Arkansas, having been this day surrendered by Brig. Genl M. Jeff Thompson, commanding said army to Maj. Genl. G.  M. Dodge commanding the Dept of the Mo. - do hereby give my solemn parole of honor that I will not hereafter serve in the armies of the Confederate States or in any military capacity whatsoever against the United States of America or render aid to the enemies of the latter until finally discharged in such manner as shall be mutually approved by the respective authorities.

The within named officer will not be disturbed by the United States authorities as long as he observes his parole and the laws in force where he may reside
Wm. Davis
Lt. Col, Asst Prov Marshal
Del

We broke up winter quarters at Camden, Arkansas, March the 28th [1864], and marched 24 miles, camped at Gates Bluff.

30th, marched 25 miles in the direction of Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

April 1st - We were sent on picket, received orders to march at dark.  We moved in the direction of Washington, travelled all night, crossed the Little Missouri River at Elkins Ferry.

April 4th - Had one man wounded and two horses killed, fell back two miles built log forts, the enemy did not advance, fell back at midnight across Prairie Dam [D’Ane], distance 15 miles.

April 6th - When ordered on Prairie Dam [D’Ane], had a skirmish with the enemy at 11 o’clock and fell back 2 miles.

April 7th - The enemy again advanced, we again had to pull back two miles where we held them in check until our relief came.  We returned to camp and built log fort.

April 9 & 10 - All quiet.

April 11th - Lay in our forts all night the enemy keeping up a constant fire with artillery all night.

April 12th - The enemy advanced at day light.  We fell back towards Springhill, La.

April 13th - We marched towards Camden, Arkansas, fed at dark and moved all night in the rain.

April 14th - Still moved on all day without feeding, marching 70 miles.

April 15th - Fought the enemy several hours when we fell back and camped 7 miles from Camden to a post of great danger.

April 17th and 19th [sic] - Was still on picket.

April 18th [sic] - Had a skirmish with the enemy.

April 20th - Was relieved from picket and marched 10 miles, camped on the Shreveport road.

23rd - Moved in 2 ½ miles of Camden and drove in the enemy picket.  We returned to camp after dark.

25th - 12 o’clock received orders to march.

26th - Reached El Dorado on the Quachita River marching 20 miles.

28th - At sundown we were ordered to rejoin the brigade.  We immediately commenced crossing the river, got over at midnight and travelled on all night and all next day, marching 60 miles.

30th - Moved out, reached Saline River just after our forces had gained the great victory over General Still [Steele], marching 60 miles that day.
 May 1st - Left Saline and marched 15 miles.

2nd - Marched 18 miles and camped near Arkadelphia.

6th - Marched 30 miles.

7th - Marched to New Edinburg, distance 20 miles, remained at New Edinburg on outpost duty until the 25th we moved 20 miles.

26th - Moved through Monticello, camped at Cut Off Bayou distance 30 miles.

27th - Joined the brigade at Bayou Mason, distance 18 miles.

28th - Marched 25 miles down the Bayou Mason.

29th - Moved to Old River Lake, distance 12 miles.

30th - Was sent on picket on the Mississippi River - was shelled by enemys gun boats all day, returned to camp at night.

June the 5th - The enemy landed in large force some skirmishing that evening.

6th - We had one of the severities [severest] battles of the war, about 600 hundred of us was engaged against 8000.  Lt. W. C. Ballard and W. S. Pratt was wounded and two horses killed in our company and two horses wounded.  We fell back 12 miles to Bayou Mason.

8th - Returned to Old River Lake, distance 12 miles where we remained until the 17th, when we moved 20 miles.

18th - Marched to Crooked Bayou which was 15 miles.

19th - Moved to Red Forks, distance 20 miles.

24th - Moved down Red Fork 10 miles.

25th - Was sent on outpost duty to Arrows Bayou.

July 2nd - Left camp on Arrows Bayou and marched 25 miles.  Went to South Bend on the Arkansas River, distance 20 miles.

11th - Was sent toward Pine Bluff to meet the enemy where there was fighting all day.

18th - Moved down the Arkansas River 25 miles.

On 7th - Left camp near Arkansas Post.

9th - Marched 25 miles.

14th - Left the river at 5 o’clock in the evening and went to Old River Lake, distance 7 miles.

15th - Left Old River Lake and marched 17 miles.

16th - Marched 20 miles.

21st - Marched 10 miles and camped at Mount Elba.

 The 27th - Marched 20 miles.

28th Marched 20 miles.

29th - Marched and camped at Princeton.

August 30th - Started on the Great Raid to Missouri.  Camped at Tulip, distance 10 miles.

31st - Marched 25 miles.

September 1 - Marched 17 miles.

3rd - Marched 15 miles.

4th - Crossed the Forest Mountains.

6th - Started at 4 o’clock in the morning crossed the Arkansas River at Dardenelle and camped on the north bank.  Distance 14 miles.

7th - Moved out 7 miles on the Illinois Bayou.

8th - Marched through Dover, distance 23 miles.

9th - Marched 20 miles.

10th - Marched 25 miles.

11th - Marched 12 miles.

12th - Marched across White River Mountain without water for man or beast, distance 33 miles.

13th - Remained in camp.

15th - Marched to Strawberry River, distance 12 miles.

16th and 17th - Marched to Spring River, distance 22 miles.

18th - Left Spring River and marched to Pocahontas, distance 13 miles. 10 o’clock at night commenced swimming Black River, took all night to swim the river.  Marched out 3 miles and camped. 

19th - Marched 15 miles.

20th - Crossed the line into Missouri and camped, distance 25 miles.

21st - Marched to Poplar Bluff, distance 25 miles.

22nd - Marched 18 miles.

23rd - Marched 22 miles and camped at Bollingers Mill on Castor River.

24th - Started on scout.  Took the enemy by surprise at Jackson Missouri.  Killed 2, captured 13 and 25 horses.

25th - Marched 25 miles, camped at Patton.

 26th - Passed through Fredericktown and took the Ironton Road.  Camped.  Distance 30 miles.

27th - Marched 12 miles to Pilot Knob.  There was fighting going all nearly all day, some very hard fighting.

28th - The Federals accosted [abandoned?] the Knob at 4 o’clock a.m. took the road past Caledonia and Webster.  Our loss in men and officers was heavy.  We started in pursuit, marched 20 miles, camped near Caledonia.

29th - Marched 20 miles.

30th - Marched 20 miles, camped at Sullivan Station on the St. Louis and Rolla Railroad.

October 1st - Marched 25 miles, reached Union in the evening, had a short fight, took the place and camped.

October 2nd - Marched 20 miles, camped at Washington, Franklin Co, Missouri.

October 3rd - Marched 25 miles, reached Hermann, Mo., in the evening where we had another short fight, took the place and camped.

4th - Marched 25 miles.

5th - Went on scout, marched 35 miles.

6th - Marched 20 miles, camped near Linn.

7th - General Shelby’s Division commenced fighting the enemy at Osage River and fought them several hours and drove them into their forts at Jefferson City.  Our Division was not moved from camp until the afternoon.  We went into camp after dark in three miles of Jefferson City.  The enemy was largely reinforced that night and we retreated in the direction of Springfield.  Marched 15 miles, camped at Russellville, Arkansas [Missouri].

9th - The enemy attacked our right flank at Caledonia [California].  Our regiment just had time to get in line and check and drive the enemy back and keep the whole brigade from being cut off from the command.  We held them back until the brigade marched and camped, distance this day 27 miles.

10th - Marched 20 miles, camped at Boonville, here General Shelby had taken 400 prisoners before we arrived.

11th - The enemy attacked us at Boonville, they succeeded in gaining a position and lay in line all night and all next day.

12th - At 4 o’clock went back to camp, cooked supper and started after dark and marched all night - distance 12 miles, stopped, fed and got breakfast.

13th - Was sent on picket, relieved in evening, marched 16 miles, camped at 10 o’clock.

14th Started at day light, marched 16 miles to Arrow Rock.  Crossing the Missouri River took until midnight to get across.  We immediately started up the river and reached Glasgow at sunrise [the 15th], took the enemy by surprise and soon drove them into their forts where we fought them until 1 o’clock p.m.  When they surrendered their whole force (900) men to our brigade.  We captured more arms and as much clothing as we could take care of.

16th - Started at dark, took all night to cross the river.

17th - Started at 1 o’clock p.m., marched until midnight, distance 20 miles.

18th - Marched 18 miles, camped at Waverly on the Missouri River.

 19th - About 5 o’clock p.m., we got orders to go to the front where General Shelby was having a severe battle.  Our horses were left about five miles, we dismounted and lay in line of battle until midnight when we are put in camp 3 miles from Lexington, distance this day 21 miles.

20th - Marched 20 miles.

21st - We found the enemy occupying a very strong position behind some stone fences on an eminence at Little Blue Mills.  Our brigade was in front of the command and our regiment in rear of the brigade.  The Federals had burnt the bridge and we had a desperate road to pass over.  We was dismounted as soon as we passed the creek one-half mile from the field of battle and double quicked up the hill to the scene of action, here we met our men retreating, their ammunition having given out.  Our battery was coming down the hill as fast as it could, the road was filled with the wounded and the enemy was charging after our battery with a fair prospect of capturing it, everything was in confusion when we was hastily brought into action.  We soon checked the enemy and drove them back to their stone fences.  More troops was soon brought up and drove them from every position they occupied and pursued them to Independence on foot that night.  Distance this day was 27 miles.

22nd - General Rosecrans came up on our rear with a large force.  We commenced fighting him at 2 o’clock p.m., and fought until 10 o’clock at night.  The confusion in the night was terrible, the enemy sometimes in 20 paces of us and we could see nothing but the blaze of their guns.  We fell back to Big Blue, here the enemy had fell a lot of timber in the road.

23rd - The fighting commenced at this place at sunrise.  Here our division had to hold General Rosecrans whole army in check while General Fagan and Shelby cleared the way in front for they had us surrounded.  We could plainly hear each volley of small arms in a southern direction.  At 2 o’clock they attempted to capture our train by a flank movement on our left.  We was whisked [rushed?] into position and after some skirmishing drove them back and held them in check until the command passed.  Marched 20 miles.

24th - Marched 25 miles, our regiment was sent on picket, was up all night, men saying they saw the enemy or heard them walking or something of the kind.

25th - The command commenced moving at daylight.  At sunrise the enemy came up with our rear but a few shots from our artillery moved them back.  At 9 o’clock a.m., they again came up with our rear, we hastily formed to meet them on a very bad piece of ground in the open prairie with a branch in the rear that could not be crossed in but a few places.  The artillery was planted in the center and 100 yards to the rear.  We had not got our line fully formed when the enemy advanced.  Freeman’s Brigade on our right run the first fire and it was who should be foremost and the Devil take the hindmost.  Slemmons Brigade on our left soon gave way in great confusion and left our brigade alone fighting and holding the enemy in check in fine style.  We was soon surrounded and had to seek safety in flight.  About this time the artillery was limbered up and all started toward to branch in wild confusion.  At this time the scene was the worst could be imagined.  There was Rebels, Yankees, men afoot, and men running back and artillery all mixed up together and fleeing in the wildest state of excitement, the enemy had possession of nearly all the crossings after we got across the branch there was a great many officers trying to rally the men but few could be rallied.  We fell back about 3 miles where most of the prisoners escaped, was gotten together and we started in some order.  We lost our artillery and a great many prisoners.  At 3 o’clock they again came up with our rear but we held them in check until sundown then we stopped on hour to get something to eat, packed and burnt our train and started at 2 o’clock a.m.

26th - Three brigades was marching side by side though the night was very dark and the camp was terrible you could continually hear the cries - “Where is Clarks Brigade?  Where is Freemans Brigade - Where is McCray’s Brigade?” or this or some other regiment.  We camped on Spring River near Carthage, the distance this day was 63 miles.

27th - Marched 20 miles.

28th - Marched 27 miles, passed through Granby Mines, had another battle at Newtonia.  Our brigade was in front and was not engaged.  Shelby’s Division was engaged and soon drove them back this way.  This was the worst fight on the raid.

 29th - Left Missouri crossed a corner of Arkansas camped in the Cherokee Nation.  Distance [this] day was 30 miles.

30th - Marched 15 miles.

31st - Passed through Pineville, camed on Cowskin, distance 16 miles.

November 1st - Marched 19 miles, camped at Cane Hill. Remained at Cane Hill until the 4th, when we marched in a southwest direction, distance this day was 12 miles.

5th - Marched 20 miles.

6th - Marched 18 miles.  Here beef began to get very scarce which had been plenty.

7th - Crossed the Arkansas River, camped 2 miles south, distance this day 6 miles.

8th - Marched 12 miles.

9th - Marched 15 miles.

11th - Marched 17 miles.  Here General Clark and a great many others killed and eat their starved mules.

12th - Marched 6 miles, camped on Lanes Creek where General Fagan had collected some beef cattle.

13th - Marched 18 miles, camped at Pineville [Perryville], got one half pound flour and salt to the person which was the first flour or salt for 22 days.

14th - Remained at camp.

15th - Marched 16 miles, every person seemed to be his own commander.

16th - Marched 8 miles.

17th - Marched 16 miles.

18th - Reached Boggy Depot, distance this day 11 miles.

19th - Marched 15 miles.

20th - Marched 14 miles.

21st - Crossed Red River, got forage for our horses and full rations for ourselves, having travelled on the whole trip from the time we left Princeton until we reached Red River 16 hundred and 94 miles.
 
 

The saddest incident of the reunion in Charlotte, N. C., was the passing of Gen. Cortez A. Kitchen, Commander of the Missouri Division, U.C.V.  Though his health had been frail for a long time, his heart was so set on attending the reunion in North Carolina, and he was lovingly attended to on the way.  But his strength was not equal to the demands made upon it, and it was necessary for him to go to the infirmary upon arrival.  There he saw a few of his old comrades and heard again the old familiar Rebel yell, and he was happy to be there even though he could not take part in the reunion activities.  As the shadows fell on the evening of June 6 [1929], he closed his eyes to earthly scenes and passed to that heavenly reunion in which there is no parting.

Born in 1852, General Kitchen was one of the very youngest of Confederate veterans.  He was just a little boy when war came on in 1861, but he gave soldierly service as orderly for his father, who was major and colonel of Missouri cavalry.  The boy was captured, but released, and returned to his father, and so served almost through the war; and when it closed he was still a boy under military age.

Young Kitchen finished his education after the war at the St. Louis University and the State University at Columbia, fitting himself to be a lawyer, which profession he practiced for some time, then took up journalism.  Always devoted to the cause for which he had given his best as a boy soldier, he was very active in the effort to secure pensions for the Confederate veterans of Missouri, and in other ways was devoted to their interests.  His comrades loved, honored, and respected him for his splendid qualities of mind and heart and for his gentle and engaging personality.  He had filled various high offices in the U.C.V. organization in Missouri, from Commander of the Camp in St. Louis to Commander of the Missouri Division, and there was no more loyal and devoted member nor one who cherished more strongly the traditions and ideals of the Old South, and in his acceptance of the results of that war he became a loyal citizen of the United States.  He was a public-spirited citizen of his city and community, and had a wide circle of warm friends.  “A just man and firm of purpose” is a fitting eulogy on his high character.

In the sweet intimacies of wedded life, he was an affectionate husband and devoted father, loved and venerated by wife and children.  He was married in 1877 to Miss Nannie A. Harwood, of pioneer family of St. Louis, and she, their two daughters, and a son survive him.

Cortez A. Kitchen was born August 3, 1852, in Stoddard County, Mo., son of Col. Solomon G. Kitchen and Martha Ann Giboney.  The war interrupted his education, but he went back to school in his native county and later finished at the Law School of the University of Missouri at Columbia, and first practiced at Dexter in Stoddard County.  The family moved to St. Louis in 1875, and there he became interested in journalism, forming connection with newspapers of that city, and so made that his life work.  In the early nineties he was editorial writer of the Omaha World Herald.  In 1901 he was official reporter of the Missouri State Senate, and later became assistant of the city council of the town of Kirkwood.  At one time he was assistant wharf and harbormaster in St. Louis.  He retired from active business some years ago.
A long, active, useful, and Christian career has come to a close, a full and purposeful life, typical of the Old South’s best civilization.  He rests in peace and leaves a memory revered by all who knew him.  With the colors of Confederate flags about him, he laid away in Valhalla Cemetery at St. Louis, and the bright sunshine of his parting day and the flowers which made beautiful his bed of earth fitly symbolized the transition from life to immortality.

Camp Camden, Washatau, Arkansas  29 January 1864

Dear Mother and brother, kinfolks, and neighbors,

I speak to you all for I assure you that it is with reluctance that I take my pen in hand to write to you to let you know that I am well at present, hoping when these few lines come to hand they may find you all injoying the same health.

We have been moving for the last 10 or 12 days but we are campt now at Camden on the Washatau River about 125 miles south west of Little Rock the capitol of the state.

I have never heard from home for four or five months which I would like to hear from you very much.  I wish you to take cear of the property and manage it to your own advantage as you see fit for I can not tell you when I will be there all though we have a grate deal of prospect of peace in Camps though it is doubtful.

We have plenty to eat and wear such as it is – bred and beef and sometimes sugar and molasses.  We are all in good spirits and I hope we remain so.

I want you to tell all the boys and girls “howdy” for me.  Tell John that I would like to see him and his family and D. H. Haines also for I am anxious to see them and tell brother, Frank, that I want him to be a good boy and work as faithful as a man.

I never taken but three doses of medison since I left home – I am in better health or as good as I ever was at home.  My wait is a bout 165 lbs.

Horses is costly, number one horses is worth $800 – 1200 dollars and everything else is proportion and Confedered money is plenty.

Tell Elyah Whitener I would like to see him since I heard he gave up to the Yanks, tell the boys I want them to come out and fight for their Country.

We have a few sickness in Camp at the present time and so, I have wrote a bout all I think will prophet you and so I’ll bring my letter to a close and say no more at present.

       Only your beloved friend
       Napoleon B. Whitener

On the outside of the letter
To Priscilla Whitener
I am a rebel soldier and fair from my home, please Mother, I want you to write me if you can.  Write to Greens Bregade, Kitchens Company [Regiment], Hinsons Company
 
 

Alton, Illinois, Military Prison – December the 16, 1864

Dear Mother,

I seat myself down this evening to drop a few lines to you to let you know how I am getting along, and I hope these lines may find you and brother both in health and all the rest of the neighbors.

I was puny a while back but I am now gaining strength.  I have not heard from you since I left home until yesterday evening.  Francis Whitener received a letter from his father dated Dec. the 8th; which left you well they said.  I am sorry to hear of my uncle’s death, but the time is coming when we all must die.

I want you to write me as soon as you get this letter which I would like verry mutch to hear from you.  I want you, Mother, to send me five dollars in your letter to me if you please.  Get somebody to write the letter and fixe the money that knows how.

When you write to me back [send] your letter to:
Napoleon B. Whitener, Prisoner of War, Alton, Military Prison.

I will bring to a close so no more.

        N. B. Whitener

On the outside of the letter
To Priscilla Whitener
 

Alton, Illinois,  January the 2, 1865

Dear Aunt,

I seat myself to write you a few lines to let you know the certain facts.  Sad thoughts runs thru my mind to wright these lines.

Your son, Napoleon, died yesterday morning 35 minutes after 8 o’clock.  He was taken Christmas with a light chill and then high fever.  He has been in bad health for better than a month.  He was put away tolerable well.  He was looking for a letter from you.

I am well.  So, don’t grieve his death for I hope and pray God that he is gone to rest.  The last words he said, Francis I am a going to sleep.  He soon closed his eyes in death.  I am as it were alone, lonesome to layment.

I shall live in hope Levi Bess is here.  He has been in the hospital 7 weeks.  He wrote a letter to his wife but received no answer.  So, no more at present.

        Francis Whitener

On the outside of the letter
To Priscilla Whitener 

“The Civil War coming up I was compelled to take sides.  On April 25, 1863, I went South, enlisted in Company I, 7th Missouri Cavalry, Marmaduke’s Brigade.  I served 18 months in Arkansas with many trials and hardships.

 In August I went with Price and his army to North Missouri, starting from southwestern Arkansas, going as far as Glasgow, MO, with a great deal of hardships, then on the retreat between Independence and Fort Scott [I] was captured at the time Gen, Marmaduke was at Boggy Byou [Mine Creek] Oct. 25, 1864.

 From there I was marched on foot to Fort Scott that night 22 miles, reaching there at daybreak.  Remained there one night, then started for Warrensburg, a distance of 125 miles on foot before breakfast, which took five days to make the trip.

 From here I went by railroad and water to St. Louis, housed there in the McDowel College building for 17 days.  From there I was removed to Alton, Illinois, staying there 3 months or till the 17th of February 1865 when I was one of the detailed to go on exchange to Richmond, Virginia, to be made the 1st day of March but after leaving Alton three days, I fell sick and did not reach there till the 3rd day of March, thus I was never exchanged as that was the last one.

 I left Richmond going south through North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, stopping at Meridian until peace was declared, thus was never paroled.

 Then and there I started for home in Missouri at what is now called Marquand in Madison County, reaching there the 28th day of May 1865. Through many difficulties, traveling all the way on foot.

In Re: Confederate Pension

Hon. Sir:

During the time of Gov. Williams’ administration as Governor of Oklahoma, I, the undersigned, Jesse Ellison, applied for a confederate pension.  I furnished all the proof necessary by living witnesses, but was rejected upon the grounds of a record at Washington that I was a deserter.  This record is false.

EXPLANATION

In January, 1865, I resigned my position as Lieut. Col., on account of wounds received in battle against the Federal army, and bad health, my connection with the army ceased at that time, and, as I could not be of any further service to the Confederate army my duty to my family required me to look after my family.  Previous to this time Fletcher, the Military Governor of Missouri, banished all families of Confederate soldiers, and, for this reason I had sent them to Kentucky, where I had the means for their support, and in February, 1865, after I had resigned in January, 1865, in order to reach my family I was required to take a certain oath in order to pass the Federal lines, and now the Federal Clerk reports me as a deserter.  Then the Board who considered my application took this record instead of two living witnesses that were with us in the same Command, and who testified that I resigned.

I suppose that my application papers are on record at the Oklahoma Capital, which will show the same facts as above, and, your Excellency can see that I could not be a deserter when I had no connection with the army after I had resigned, and for this reason I appeal to your Excellency for a reconsideration.

Col. R. A. Sneed
Pension Comm Bldg

Sir:  I have this day examined the facts in the above case and feel that Col. Ellison is entitled to a place on the pension roll.  I do not believe he deserted.  The record does not substantiate that charge.  I recommend that he be placed on the Confederate pension rolls of this state.

Jesse Ellison Pension File, Oklahoma City, OK